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The full council meeting, held at Bootle Town Hall, was attended by members of anti-fracking campaign groups from Southport and Formby and saw a 3,000 strong petition against the practice presented.

Various councillors also gave impassioned speeches over the need for a greater use of sustainable and renewable energy.

Cllr Iain Brodie-Brown argued that the reduced cost of solar and other renewable energy meant that better alernatives were out there, while repeated warnings were raised over the safety of fracking and, in particular, the dangerous chemicals involved.

The leaders of the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups all voted in support of the motions

In total, 37 voters in favour of the motion and two abstained, while the council’s planning committee members did not take part in order to avoid a conflict of interest.

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As a result, the council has officially committed to not allow any fracking activities on Council-owned or controlled land, It will also ‘support’ renewable energy in Sefton and take action to protect community interests against he impacts of fracking in the borough.

However, there remains the risk that national government policy could potentially overrule the council’s stance.

Earlier in January, an application to explore a site in Altcar Moss, bordering Sefton, was submitted to Lancashire County Council.